Sustainable bra garment

ABSTRACT

A sustainable bra garment that includes first and second cup portions that are formed of one or more recycled flexible materials and first and second side wing panels that extend from the first and second cup portions, respectively. The first and second side wing panels are formed of one or more recycled flexible materials. First and second cushioning support pads are configured to be coupled with the first and second cup portions, respectively, Each of the pads has front and back surfaces. The front surface of each pad has a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad has a generally concave shape. Each of the pads is formed of a sustainable material that has hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to a bra garment and more particularly to bra garment formed of sustainable materials.

Bras are commonly worn by women to provide support for their breasts and for enhanced shape and appearance. Other garments have built-in bras and can provide the same function. Proper support for the wearer is important for bras and thus dictates the type of materials that can be used, particularly for the pads of the bra. As such, foam pads are typically used for shaping and support as desired. The foam pads are usually attached to the bra using a glue. The foam material and glue, however, can be toxic to the wearer and is not recyclable or environmentally friendly.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may provide a sustainable bra garment that comprises first and second cup portions that are formed of one or more recycled flexible materials and first and second side wing panels that extend from the first and second cup portions, respectively. The first and second side wing panels are formed of one or more recycled flexible materials. First and second cushioning support pads are configured to be coupled with the first and second cup portions, respectively. Each of the pads has front and back surfaces wherein the front surface of each pad that has a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad that has a generally concave shape. Each of the pads is formed of a sustainable material that has hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment.

In certain embodiments, the sustainable material is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer and is devoid of any type of foam material and the like; the sustainable material is formed by a sustainable and environment-friendly process; each pad is devoid of a lamination or glue layer on at least the back surface thereof; the one or more recycled materials of the first and second cup portions and the first and second side wing panels is one or more recycled fabrics; and/or the first and second cup portions and the first and second side wing panels are formed of the same recycled fabric.

In other embodiments, the bra garment further comprises elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled materials; each of the shoulder straps include an adjustable element for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps, the adjustable element is formed of a sustainable material that has a hardness value that is greater than the hardness value of the sustainable material of the pads; each of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel; the bra garment of claim 1, further comprising a bridge panel that joins the first and second cup portions, and the bridge panel is formed of a recycled material; and/or the free ends of the first and second side wings panels include corresponding clasp elements for clasping the free ends together.

The present disclosure may also provide a sustainable bra garment that comprises first and second cup portions that are formed of one or more recycled fabrics. Each of the first and second cup portions has an outer piece and an inner piece. The inner and outer pieces are attached to one another at respective perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area therebetween. First and second side wing panels extend from the first and second cup portions, respectively. The first and second side wing panels are formed of one or more recycled fabrics. First and second cushioning support pads are retained in the receiving areas of the first and second cup portions, respectively. Each of the pads has front and back surfaces that correspond to the outer and inner pieces of the first and second cup portions, respectively. The front surface of each pad has a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad has a generally concave shape. Each of the pads is formed of only a sustainable material that has hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment. The sustainable material is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer.

In some embodiments, the sustainable material can be manufactured by a sustainable and environment-friendly process; the outer piece of each cup portion is formed of a recycled nylon and the inner piece of each cup portion is formed of recycled polyester; the bra garment further comprises elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled fabric; and/or each of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel and a bridge panel joins the first and second cup portions, and both the underwire channel and the bridge panel are formed of a recycled material.

The present disclosure may yet further provide a sustainable bra garment the comprises first and second cup portions. Each of the first and second cup portions has an outer piece and an inner piece. The inner and outer pieces are attached to one another at respective perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area therebetween. The inner and outer pieces are formed of one or more recycled fabrics. The first and second side wing panels extend from the first and second cup portions, respectively. The first and second side wing panels are formed of one or more recycled fabrics. First and second cushioning support pads are retained in the receiving areas of the first and second cup portions, respectively. Each of the pads has front and back surfaces that correspond to the outer and inner pieces of the first and second cup portions, respectively. The front surface of each pad has a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad has a generally concave shape. Each of the pads is formed of only a sustainable material that is a biobased material with hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment, and that is non-toxic to the wearer. Substantially the entirety of the sustainable bra garment is formed of either recycled or sustainable materials.

In certain embodiments, the sustainable material can be manufactured by a sustainable and environment-friendly process; the bra garment further comprises elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled fabric; each of the shoulder straps include an adjustable element for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps, the adjustable element being formed of a sustainable material that has a hardness value that is greater than the hardness value of the sustainable material of the pads; and/or each of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel and a bridge panel joins the first and second cup portions, and the free ends of the first and second side wings panels include corresponding clasp elements for clasping the free ends together, wherein the underwire channel, the bridge panel, and the clasping elements are formed of recycled materials.

This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate only some examples of the disclosure and other examples or combinations of various examples that are not specifically illustrated in the figures may still fall within the scope of this disclosure. Examples will now be described with additional detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front or outside elevational view of an exemplary sustainable bra garment, according to present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear or inside elevational view of the sustainable bra garment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front or outside elevational view of another exemplary sustainable bra garment, according to present disclosure;

FIG. 4 a rear or inside elevational view of the sustainable bra garment illustrated in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a cup of the sustainable bra garment according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring the figures, the present disclosure generally relates to a bra garment 100 formed of sustainable and recycled materials that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic to the wearer to promote health and wellness, and can be manufactured at a reduced cost. The bra garment 100 may be, for example a bra, sports bra, a maternity bra, a brassier, a bikini top, a camisole, other lingerie top, or other breast covering garment.

The bra garment 100 may generally comprise cup portions 102 a, 102 b, side wing panels 104 a, 104 b extending from the respective cup portions 102 a, 102 b, and pads 108 for the cup portions 102 a, 102 b. Shoulder straps 106 a, 106 b may also be provided such that shoulder strap 106 a connects between cup portion 102 a and side wing panel 104 a and shoulder strap 106 b connects between cup portion 102 b and side wing panel 104 b. The pads 108 are formed of a sustainable material that provides both cushioning and support for a wearer's breasts. The remainder of the bra garment 100 may be formed of recycled materials and/or sustainable materials. As such, the entirety or substantially the entirety of the bar garment 100 can be formed of only sustaining and recycled materials.

The sustainable material in accordance with the present disclosure is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer and is devoid of any type of foam material and the like. The sustainable material used to form the pads 108, for example, can have hardness and density values sufficient to provide both cushioning and support to the wearer. And the sustainable material for the bra garment 100 can be manufactured by a sustainable and environment-friendly process.

The sustainable material in accordance with the present disclosure is one that is ecological, friendly, climate-friendly, green, environmental, environmentally-sound, fuel-efficient, energy-efficient, non-polluting, organic, and energy-saving. The sustainable material is a material that can be viable, continuous, continual, feasible, unceasing, livable, supportable, imperishable, unending, renewable, and green. A sustainable material is produced based on available resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations. In an example, the sustainable material can be a sugar cane or corn polymer. For added flexibility, a natural oil, such as banana oil, can be added to the sugar cane or corn. Also, biodegradable additives can be added to the sugar cane or corn polymer.

The cup portions 102 a and 102 b and the side wing panels 104 a and 104 b may be formed of a recycled material, such as a recycled fabric. A recycled material in accordance with the present disclosure is one that is waste converted into usable material. Recycled fabrics are waste products or fabrics and textiles that can be sorted, graded and reused again to make recycled fabrics, such synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and the like.

Each of the cup portions 102 a, 102 b of the bra garment 100 has an outer piece 120 and an inner piece 122 that can be attached, such as by sewing, to one another at respective perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area 124 therebetween in which respective pads 108 are contained, as seen in FIG. 5. The outer piece 120 may have a generally convex shape selected from a number of available breast cup sizes. The inner piece may have a generally concave shape selected from a number of available cup sizes. The outer and inner pieces 120 and 122 are formed of one or more flexible materials. In an example, the outer piece can be formed of nylon or recycled nylon and the inner piece can be formed of polyester or recycled polyester. The polyester can be brushed for added softness against the wearer's skin.

Each of the pads 108 has front and back surfaces 110 and 112 that correspond to the outer and inner pieces 120 and 122, respectively, of the cup portions 102 a, 102 b. The front surface 110 of each pad 108 has a generally convex shape and the back surface 112 of each pad 108 has a generally concave shape, as best seen in FIG. 5. The size of the pad 108 can be any breast cup size and generally corresponds to the size of the outer and inner pieces 120 and 122 of the cup portions 102 a, 120 b.

Each of the pads 108 is formed of the sustainable material that is a biobased material with hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment, and that is non-toxic to the wearer. For example, the sustainable material of the pads 108 may be about 85% sugar cane polymer and about 15% banana oil. This ratio of the sustainable material provides the required flexibility to the pads 108 to provide comfort and cushioning for the wearer while also providing sufficient support to the wearer. In an example, the pads 108 are formed only of the sustainable material. The front surface 110 of each pad 108 may be laminated to assist with application of the outer piece 120 of the cup portions 102 a, 120 b. The back surface 112 of each pad 108 may be devoid of any lamination. Alternatively, each pad 108 can be devoid of any lamination altogether, i.e. on either the front or back surface 110 and 112 thereof.

Each of the side wing panels 104 a, 104 b is connected to an outer edge of a respective cup portion 102 a, 102 b. The side wing panels 104 a, 104 b can be formed of one or more fabrics, such as nylon, recycled nylon and the like. The side wing panels 104 a, 104 b can be made of the same or different recycled fabric as that of the cup portions 102 a, 102 b. Also, recycled yarns may be used for sewing the perimeters of any of the portions or panels of the bra garment 100, such as the perimeters 109 around the side wing panel 104 a, 104 b. The free ends of the side wings panels 104 a, 104 b include corresponding clasp elements 130 and 132, respectively, such as hook and eye elements, for clasping the free ends together in a conventional manner. The clasp elements 130 and 132 may be formed of recycled materials, such as recycled metal for the hook, and fabric or yarn for the eye.

The shoulder straps 106 a, 106 b may be formed of recycled materials, such as a recycled elastic material, such as recycled yarns and the like, to provide flexibility and comfort to the wearer. Each shoulder strap 106 a and 106 b may be adjustable using adjustable elements such as corresponding ring and hook members 134 and 136, which function as is known in the art. The ring and hook members 134 and 136 may be formed of a sustainable material, such as a sugar cane polymer. The sugar cane polymer of the ring and hook members 134 and 136 would be harder and more rigid that the sugar cane polymer which forms the pads 108. That is, the sugar cane polymer of the ring and hook members 134 and 136 have a sufficient hardness value and rigidity to couple to the shoulder straps 106 a, and 106 b to allow adjustment thereof.

The bra garment 100 may include an underwire, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, or the bra garment 100′ may not have underwire, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bra garment 100 has an underwire channels 140 a, 140 b at the bottom of supports 102 a, 102 b, respectively. The underwire channels 140 a, 104 b may be formed of recycled fabrics, such as recycled yarns, and are sized to receive a conventional underwire. A bridge panel 138 extends between the underwire channels 140 a, 140 b to join the cup portions 102 a, 102 b. The bridge panel 138 can be formed of a recycled material, such as recycled nylon.

The bra garment 100′ as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, is substantially the same as the bra garment 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that it does not have an underwire or underwire channels. The cup portions 102 a′, 102 b′ of the bra garment 100′ are the same as cup portion 102 a, 102 b, except that the cup portions 102 a, 102 b′ are sewn together, using recycled yarn for example, at a center line 150 and a bottom line 152, as best seen in FIG. 4. An optional lace trim 154 may be provide at the top of the cup portions 102 a′, 120 b′. The lace trim 154 can be formed of a recycled material, such as recycled yarn and the like.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings that modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Likewise, the various examples described may be used individually or in combination with other examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various combinations of examples not specifically described or illustrated herein that are still within the scope of this disclosure. In this respect, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific examples set forth and the examples of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having” and similar terms are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Additionally, where a method described above does not explicitly require an order to be followed by its steps or an order is otherwise not required based on the description or claim language, it is not intended that any particular order be inferred. Likewise, where a method claim below does not explicitly recite a step mentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed that the step is required by the claim.

It is noted that the description and claims may use geometric or relational terms. These terms are not intended to limit the disclosure and, in general, are used for convenience to facilitate the description based on the examples shown in the figures. In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be exact. For instance, walls may not be exactly perpendicular or parallel to one another because of, for example, roughness of surfaces, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc., but may still be considered to be perpendicular or parallel. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sustainable bra garment, comprising: first and second cup portions that are formed of one or more recycled flexible materials; first and second side wing panels extending from the first and second cup portions, respectively, the first and second side wing panels being formed of one or more recycled flexible materials; and first and second cushioning support pads configured to be coupled with the first and second cup portions, respectively, each of the pads having front and back surfaces, the front surface of each pad having a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad having a generally concave shape, and each of the pads being formed of a sustainable material that has hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment.
 2. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein the sustainable material is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer and is devoid of any foam material.
 3. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein each pad is devoid of a lamination or glue layer on at least the back surface thereof.
 4. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more recycled materials of the first and second cup portions and the first and second side wing panels is one or more recycled fabrics.
 5. The sustainable bra garment of claim 4, wherein the first and second cup portions and the first and second side wing panels are formed of the same recycled fabric.
 6. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, further comprising elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled materials.
 7. The sustainable bra garment of claim 6, wherein each of the shoulder straps include an adjustable element for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps, the adjustable element being formed of a sustainable material that has a hardness value that is greater than the hardness value of the sustainable material of the pads.
 8. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel.
 9. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, further comprising a bridge panel that joins the first and second cup portions, the bridge panel is formed of a recycled material.
 10. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein the free ends of the first and second side wings panels include corresponding clasp elements for clasping the free ends together.
 11. A sustainable bra garment, comprising: first and second cup portions that are formed of one or more recycled fabrics, each of the first and second cup portions having an outer piece and an inner piece, the inner and outer pieces being attached to one another at respective perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area therebetween; first and second side wing panels extending from the first and second cup portions, respectively, the first and second side wing panels being formed of one or more recycled fabrics; and first and second cushioning support pads retained in the receiving areas of the first and second cup portions, respectively, each of the pads having front and back surfaces that correspond to the outer and inner pieces of the first and second cup portions, respectively, the front surface of each pad having a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad having a generally concave shape, and each of the pads being formed of only a sustainable material that has hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment, wherein the sustainable material is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer.
 12. The sustainable bra garment of claim 11, wherein the sustainable material is manufactured by a sustainable and environment-friendly process.
 13. The sustainable bra garment of claim 11, wherein the outer piece of each cup portion is formed of a recycled nylon and the inner piece of each cup portion is formed of recycled polyester.
 14. The sustainable bra garment of claim 11, further comprising elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled fabric.
 15. The sustainable bra garment of claim 11, further comprising elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled materials.
 16. The sustainable bra garment of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel and a bridge panel joins the first and second cup portions, and both the underwire channel and the bridge panel are formed of a recycled material.
 17. A sustainable bra garment, comprising: first and second cup portions, each of the first and second cup portions having an outer piece and an inner piece, the inner and outer pieces being attached to one another at respective perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area therebetween, the inner and outer pieces being formed of one or more recycled fabrics; first and second side wing panels extending from the first and second cup portions, respectively, the first and second side wing panels being formed of one or more recycled fabrics; and first and second cushioning support pads retained in the receiving areas of the first and second cup portions, respectively, each of the pads having front and back surfaces that correspond to the outer and inner pieces of the first and second cup portions, respectively, the front surface of each pad having a generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad having a generally concave shape, and each of the pads being formed of only a sustainable material that is a biobased material with hardness and density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment, and that is non-toxic to the wearer, wherein substantially the entirety of the sustainable bra garment is formed of either recycled or sustainable materials.
 18. The sustainable bra garment of claim 17, further comprising elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled fabric.
 19. The sustainable bra garment of claim 18, wherein each of the shoulder straps includes an adjustable element for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps, the adjustable element being formed of a sustainable material that has a hardness value that is greater than the hardness value of the sustainable material of the pads.
 20. The sustainable bra garment of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel and a bridge panel joins the first and second cup portions, and the free ends of the first and second side wings panels include corresponding clasp elements for clasping the free ends together, wherein the underwire channel, the bridge panel, and the clasping elements are formed of recycled materials. 